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Kielbasa and Potato Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that comes together quickly and tastes like a warm hug on a plate, you’ll absolutely adore this Kielbasa and Potato Skillet Recipe. It’s the kind of dish I keep coming back to because it’s simple, packed with flavor, and perfect for any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this skillet magic, it might just become your go-to too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This skillet meal comes together in about 40 minutes, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
  • Full of Flavor: The kielbasa renders its smoky fat right into the pan, giving the potatoes that incredible savory depth.
  • Minimal Ingredients: Just a handful of everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand.
  • Versatile: Easily customize it with your favorite seasonings or add-ins to suit your family’s tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Kielbasa and Potato Skillet Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role — smoky sausage, tender potatoes, sweet onions, and a few spices to tie it all together. I always recommend using fresh potatoes and a quality kielbasa for the best results.

Flat lay of a few slices of fresh kielbasa sausage with a reddish-brown casing, five medium-sized unpeeled russet potatoes, one whole Vidalia onion with shiny golden skin, a single uncracked brown egg with a smooth shell, one garlic clove with papery white skin, a small white bowl of bright reddish paprika powder, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, and a small white bowl of dried green oregano leaves, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic plate and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Kielbasa and Potato Skillet, easy kielbasa recipes, quick dinner ideas, hearty skillet meals, comforting potato dishes
  • Kielbasa sausage: Choose a smoked kielbasa for that authentic flavor; it’s what makes the dish sing.
  • Potatoes: I prefer Yukon Gold or red potatoes because they hold their shape well when cooked.
  • Vidalia onion: Its sweetness balances the savory sausage perfectly.
  • Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a lovely color to the potatoes.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for that aromatic boost.
  • Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
  • Oregano or Italian seasoning: Adds an herbal note that rounds the dish out beautifully.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Kielbasa and Potato Skillet Recipe is — so don’t hesitate to tweak it to your liking! Whether you’re adding veggies or swapping spices, it’s a great base for your creativity in the kitchen.

  • Add bell peppers: Green or red peppers bring in color and a sweet crunch; my family goes crazy for the extra veggies mixed in.
  • Use different seasonings: Try smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne if you want a little heat.
  • Make it vegetarian: Swap kielbasa for hearty plant-based sausage and cook with a bit of olive oil.
  • Speed it up: I once discovered that microwaving the potatoes until almost tender before frying cuts cook time without sacrificing texture.

How to Make Kielbasa and Potato Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa

Start by heating your skillet on medium-high. Slice the kielbasa into rounds and add them to the pan. Stir them occasionally as they brown — this usually takes about 6 minutes. You’ll want nice caramelized edges because that’s where the flavor really builds. Once done, scoop them out but leave the rendered fat in the pan; that’s liquid gold for the potatoes.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes Low and Slow

Dump your chopped potatoes into the skillet with the kielbasa fat and sprinkle paprika, salt, and oregano over the top. Give everything a good stir so the potatoes soak up all those flavors. Turn the heat down to medium or medium-low and cover the pan. This slow cook allows the potatoes to brown beautifully over about 13 minutes. Be sure to stir regularly to avoid sticking or burning.

Step 3: Add Onions and Garlic

Once the potatoes are mostly tender, toss in the chopped Vidalia onion and minced garlic. Keep the pan covered and stir every few minutes so the onions soften and meld with the garlic and potatoes. This part takes roughly 12 minutes. The aroma at this stage always gets me excited—it’s like the whole kitchen fills up with warmth.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now, add the kielbasa back into the skillet and mix everything well. Let it cook together for another 4 minutes so all those flavors marry perfectly. At this point, you’ll notice the potatoes are soft, the onions cooked through, and the sausage juicy and delicious. It’s just about ready to eat!

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Pro Tips for Making Kielbasa and Potato Skillet Recipe

  • Render the Fat: Don’t drain the sausage fat after browning — it’s the secret to deeply flavorful potatoes.
  • Stir Regularly: Keep stirring the potatoes when covered to ensure even browning without burning.
  • Prep Ingredients Early: Have your onions and potatoes chopped before starting — the process moves quickly once you begin.
  • Test Potato Doneness: Check softness by piercing with a fork before adding onions, so you get perfectly tender but not mushy potatoes.

How to Serve Kielbasa and Potato Skillet Recipe

Kielbasa and Potato Skillet Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this dish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions — they add a pop of color and freshness that really brightens up the rich kielbasa and potatoes. A dollop of sour cream on top can also add a cool, creamy contrast that my family always requests.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this skillet with a simple green salad or sautéed greens like spinach or kale. If I’m feeling adventurous, a side of roasted vegetables pairs nicely too. The hearty kielbasa and potatoes stand up well to something fresh and crisp on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy gathering, I’ve served this Kielbasa and Potato Skillet Recipe right in the cast iron pan at the table — it’s rustic and inviting. Another idea is to spoon portions into mini cast iron skillets or oven-safe dishes and top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, then broil for a couple of minutes for a bubbly finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the second-day meal even better sometimes!

Freezing

Freezing works pretty well here—just let it cool fully, then pack it into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

I prefer reheating this recipe on the stovetop over medium heat so the potatoes get a bit crispy again, but the microwave works in a pinch. If reheating on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth helps prevent sticking.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of sausage instead of kielbasa?

    Absolutely! While kielbasa offers a smoky and slightly garlicky flavor that’s traditional here, you can substitute with smoked bratwurst, andouille, or even chorizo depending on your taste preferences. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if the sausage is thinner or precooked differently.

  2. Is it necessary to cover the skillet while cooking the potatoes?

    Yes, covering the skillet helps the potatoes cook evenly and traps steam, which softens them nicely without drying them out. Just remember to stir regularly to prevent sticking or uneven browning.

  3. How can I make this recipe healthier?

    You can use turkey kielbasa or a plant-based sausage alternative to reduce fat content. Also, adding more veggies like peppers, spinach, or mushrooms boosts the nutritional value and adds freshness.

  4. Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

    You can chop all the veggies and slice the sausage a day ahead to save time. Cook it fresh for best taste, but if needed, you can prepare completely, cool, and refrigerate — then reheat gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Kielbasa and Potato Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation. It’s comforting, straightforward, and just downright delicious every single time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a reliable friend in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — grab your skillet and give it a go, you won’t regret it!

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Kielbasa and Potato Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 115 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American, Eastern European

Description

This Kielbasa and Potatoes recipe is a hearty, flavorful skillet meal featuring browned kielbasa sausage, tender potatoes, and savory onions and garlic. The dish is cooked entirely on the stovetop, allowing the sausage to impart rich flavors into the potatoes for a satisfying and comforting one-pan meal perfect for any day of the week.


Ingredients

Sausage

  • 16 oz. kielbasa sausage

Vegetables & Seasonings

  • 1 ¼ pounds potatoes (about 5 medium-sized)
  • 1 Vidalia onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp. paprika
  • ⅓ tsp. kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp. oregano or Italian seasoning


Instructions

  1. Preheat the skillet: Place a skillet on medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking the kielbasa.
  2. Prepare and brown the kielbasa: Slice the kielbasa into pieces and add them to the heated pan. Stir occasionally while frying until browned, about 6 minutes. Once browned, remove the kielbasa from the skillet but leave the rendered grease in the pan.
  3. Prepare vegetables: While the kielbasa is browning, chop the onion and potatoes into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
  4. Cook the potatoes: Add the chopped potatoes to the hot skillet with the kielbasa grease. Sprinkle in paprika, kosher salt, and oregano. Stir well to coat the potatoes in the flavorful fat. Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low and cover the skillet. Allow the potatoes to brown and cook for about 13 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
  5. Add onions and garlic: Mix in the chopped onions and minced garlic with the potatoes. Cover the skillet again and continue cooking for approximately 12 minutes, stirring often so the onions soften and the flavors meld without burning.
  6. Combine kielbasa and finish cooking: Once the potatoes are tender and the onions cooked through, return the browned kielbasa to the skillet. Stir everything to combine and cook together for an additional 4 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.

Notes

  • To reduce cooking time, a reader recommends microwaving the potatoes until nearly done before frying them with the kielbasa. This speeds up the process and yields great results.
  • Peppers are a popular and delicious addition to this dish and can be added with the onions and garlic if desired.
  • This dish pairs nicely with a fresh salad or cooked greens for a balanced meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

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